Three years ago, I watched my nephew blow his entire Christmas bonus on a “tactical” red dot that failed during its first Montana winter. The electronics died at -15°F, the battery compartment seal cracked, and by spring it was a $400 paperweight. Meanwhile, my beat-up Aimpoint from 2008 keeps trucking through everything nature throws at it. That’s the difference between buying specs and buying reliability—and why these Black Friday deals deserve your attention.
After twenty-five years of running optics hard—from Afghanistan’s dust storms to Montana’s brutal winters—I know which red dots survive real use and which ones die when you need them most. I’ve sorted through this year’s Black Friday noise to find actual deals on optics that work.
Fair warning: I’m not listing every discount out there. Just the ones I’d spend my own money on or recommend to family. Because a bad optic at 50% off is still a bad optic.
The Short List: Deals Worth Acting On
Before we dive deep, here are my top five picks for hunters and serious shooters who value function over flash:
- Aimpoint T-2 Micro at EuroOptic – $749 (normally $999)
- Holosun HS507C-X2 at OpticsPlanet – $224.99
- EOTech EXPS3-4 at EuroOptic – $552 (standalone)
- Vortex Strikefire II at PSA – $99 with code
- Primary Arms SLx series – Various models under $200
Now let me tell you why these matter and what to avoid.
Premium Glass at Working-Man Prices
Aimpoint T-2 Micro – The Professional’s Choice
- Features advanced lens system for better light transmission and unmatched optical clarity
EuroOptic: $749 (Save $250) with Free 2-Day Shipping
This is the optic I trust my life to. Period. After running T-2s on everything from patrol rifles to dangerous game guns, I can tell you they’re worth every penny—especially at this price.
My personal T-2 has over 40,000 rounds behind it, survived a horse rolling on it (long story), and still holds zero perfectly. The 50,000-hour battery life isn’t marketing BS—I change batteries on my birthday as routine maintenance, not because they’re dead.
At $749, this is the lowest I’ve seen new T-2s from an authorized dealer. If you’re serious about reliability, buy this. Your grandkids will inherit it still working.
EOTech EXPS3-4 – When Astigmatism Matters
EuroOptic: $552 standalone, $1,149 with G45 Magnifier
- EOTECH EXPS3-4 – Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & (4) 1 MOA dot reticle
I’ve got mild astigmatism from staring at too many sunrises through scopes. Most red dots look like starbursts to me, but EOTech’s holographic technology stays crisp. The 68 MOA ring with 4-dot ballistic reticle gives you ranging capability most dots lack.
The combo with G45 magnifier transforms this from CQB to 300-yard capable. Yes, it eats batteries compared to LEDs (1,000 hours vs. 50,000), but for home defense or patrol use where you check equipment daily, it’s not an issue.
Pro tip: The EXPS3-4 works perfectly with night vision if you ever go that route. Future-proofing at its finest.
Aimpoint Duty RDS – The Sleeper Hit
EuroOptic: $469.99 (Save $189)
- 2 MOA
- Battery life – 30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant operation with one battery on setting 6 Battery type: CR2032 battery (battery included); 10 brightness settings
Nobody talks about the Duty RDS because it’s not sexy. But at this price, it’s the best professional-grade optic most shooters will ever need. Same Aimpoint reliability, 60,000-hour battery life, just missing some features you probably won’t use anyway.
I’ve been testing one for six months on my truck gun. It’s survived everything my expensive Aimpoints have, just in a simpler package. For home defense or duty use, this is a no-brainer at under $500.
The Holosun Revolution: Chinese Glass That Doesn’t Suck
Holosun HS507C-X2 OPMOD Edition
OpticsPlanet: $224.99 with Free Shipping
- NOTICE: Astigmatism can cause a red dot reticle to look blurry/fuzzy/have a tail/duplicate dots/etc. This is a VERY common eye condition many have but are unaware of. A quick at home check is to take a picture of the reticle with your phone’s camera as your phone cannot have an astigmatism.
Ten years ago, I wouldn’t touch Chinese optics. Now? Holosun has earned my respect. The 507C-X2 on my Glock 19 has survived two years of daily carry, thousands of draws, and more sweat than I care to admit.
The solar backup and shake-awake features aren’t gimmicks—they’re practical insurance. Multi-reticle system lets you choose between 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both. Side-loading battery means no re-zeroing for maintenance.
At $225, this embarrasses red dots costing twice as much. If you’re getting into pistol optics, start here.
Holosun EPS Carry
Brownells: $329.99
The enclosed emitter design solves the biggest micro red dot weakness—lint and debris blocking the emitter. After a month of pocket lint torture testing (carried without a holster in my jacket pocket), the EPS kept working while open emitters failed.
For concealed carry where reliability trumps everything, enclosed emitters are the future. This is the most affordable quality option available.
Budget Brilliance: When Every Dollar Counts
Vortex Strikefire II Red/Green
Palmetto State Armory: $99 with code “RG501”
- The new 2019 Strikefire II Red Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of applications allowing users to operate between 11 illumination settings.
At $99, this is stupid cheap for what you get. No, it’s not an Aimpoint. But Vortex’s warranty means when (not if) you break it, they’ll replace it free. I’ve seen them replace optics that were literally run over. No questions asked.
The red/green dot option helps with different backgrounds, and 4 MOA is fast without being sloppy. Perfect for a budget home defense setup or getting kids started in shooting sports.
Sig Romeo5 Gen II + Juliet3 Micro Combo
Palmetto State Armory: $269.99
This combo normally runs $430. At $270, you’re getting a solid red dot plus 3x magnifier for less than most decent red dots alone. The Romeo5’s motion activation actually works (unlike early versions), and the Juliet3’s flip mount is surprisingly smooth.
Is it battle-ready? No. Will it work for 99% of what normal people need? Absolutely. I’d trust this on a ranch rifle or home defense gun without hesitation.
Primary Arms SLx Series
Various retailers: Under $200
Primary Arms doesn’t get enough credit. Their ACSS reticles teach holdovers better than any training course, and the glass quality punches way above the price point. I’ve recommended these to dozens of new shooters who couldn’t afford Aimpoint/EOTech prices.
Every one has been happy. That’s a track record that matters more than specs.
Magnifier Madness: Extending Your Range
Sig Juliet3 Micro Standalone
Palmetto State Armory: $139.99
- EXCEPTIONAL OPTICAL PERFORMANCE – The SIG SAUER JULIET3-MICRO Magnifier delivers outstanding optical performance despite its 30% reduction in size and weight compared to the original; The high-performance lens coatings, including a Dielectric Coated Prism, ensure excellent light transmission and exceptional clarity in various shooting scenarios
At $140, this transforms any red dot into a mini-scope. I run one behind a Romeo5 on my coyote rifle. Is it as clear as my Aimpoint 6x? No. Does it let me identify and engage targets to 300 yards? Yes.
The push-button flip mount is solid, return-to-zero is reliable, and it’s small enough not to throw off rifle balance. Best magnifier value I’ve found.
EOTech G45 Magnifier
With EXPS3-4 combo: Part of $1,149 deal
- EOTECH – G45 5 Power Magnifier with Tan Finish
- 1-x to 5x Magnification – The ability to transition between the two distances almost instantly and still maintain weapon accuracy
The G45 is EOTech’s newest magnifier, and the 5x magnification (vs. traditional 3x) makes a real difference past 200 yards. The mount is overbuilt in typical EOTech fashion, and glass clarity rivals dedicated scopes.
Only worth it as part of the combo deal, but if you’re going EOTech anyway, the package price is solid.
Pistol Optics: The Concealed Carry Revolution
Trijicon RCR Closed Emitter
Palmetto State Armory: $645
Trijicon finally made a closed emitter, and it’s built like a tank. The 3.25 MOA dot is the sweet spot for defensive accuracy without being too small for stress shooting. Top-loading battery means 6+ years of always-on use.
More expensive than Holosun’s enclosed options, but the Trijicon name means something for resale and warranty support. If you’re a buy-once-cry-once person, this is your pistol dot.
Vortex Defender-CCW
OpticsPlanet: $188.29 (was $350)
- A dot sight built for modern everyday carry, the micro-sized Defender-CCW delivers maximum concealment, reliability, and the quickness you need. The slim profile means no extra bulk or width for a smoother, no-snag draw.
The polymer lens makes people nervous, but I’ve been impressed with the Defender’s toughness. The top strap lets you rack the slide one-handed against a belt or boot—crucial for injury scenarios.
At under $190 with Vortex’s warranty, it’s worth trying. Worst case, you learn what you don’t like and Vortex replaces it when you inevitably abuse it.
Night Sights: When Batteries Die
Trijicon Bright & Tough
Amazon: $52.49
Sometimes simple is better. Tritium vials glow for 12+ years without batteries. The white rings help in daylight, angled rear allows one-handed manipulation.
I run these on every pistol without a red dot. At $52, they’re cheap insurance for when Murphy shows up.
Store-Wide Sales Worth Browsing
OpticsPlanet Codes That Actually Work:
- PREPARTY: $75 off $500+ (ends soon)
- PREFUN: $40 off $250+
- HUMM: 7% off most items (my favorite for smaller purchases)
Brownells Stackable Deals:
- 15BF: 15% off (best overall discount)
- NOV125: $125 off $1000+ (for big purchases)
- Free shipping over $49 (saves more than you think)
Palmetto State Armory:
Their daily deals rotate fast. Check every morning during Black Friday week. I’ve scored ridiculous deals by being patient and watching.
What NOT to Buy (Even on Sale)
Amazon Specials Under $100
That $39 “tactical” red dot with 4,000 five-star reviews? It’s garbage. The reviews are fake, the electronics are pot metal, and it’ll fail when you need it. Save your money.
No-Name Magnifier Combos
If the brand sounds like random Scrabble tiles (CVLIFE, PINTY, etc.), skip it. A magnifier that won’t hold zero is worse than no magnifier.
Anything Without Real Warranty
“Lifetime warranty” from a company that won’t exist next year isn’t a warranty. Stick with established brands that have been around long enough to matter.
The Strategic Buyer’s Guide
If You Have $750-$1000:
Get the Aimpoint T-2. Nothing else comes close for reliability. This Black Friday price won’t last, and you’ll never need another red dot.
If You Have $400-$750:
EOTech EXPS3-4 for astigmatism sufferers, Aimpoint Duty RDS for everyone else. Both are professional-grade at enthusiast prices.
If You Have $200-$400:
Holosun all day. The 507C-X2 for pistols, 510C for rifles. Solar backup and shake-awake change the game at this price point.
If You Have Under $200:
Vortex Strikefire II at $99 or Romeo5 at similar prices. The warranty alone makes these worth it. Primary Arms if you want better glass over warranty.
Timing Your Purchase
Black Friday (Now): Best prices on premium optics. Aimpoint and EOTech rarely go lower.
Cyber Monday: Online-only dealers like OpticsPlanet often beat Black Friday prices on select items.
Week After: Retailers dump remaining stock. If something’s still available, prices might drop another 10-15%.
Don’t Wait For: Holosun deals—they sell out fast. Premium optics—limited quantities at these prices.
My Personal Black Friday Haul
I’m buying:
- Another Aimpoint T-2 for my dangerous game rifle
- Holosun EPS Carry for my wife’s Glock 43X
- Two Romeo5s for training rifles
- Handful of Juliet3 magnifiers as gifts
Total damage: About $1,500 for $2,500+ worth of reliable optics. That’s money well spent.
The Bottom Line on Black Friday Optics
Good optics aren’t cheap, but bad optics are expensive when they fail. These Black Friday deals make quality accessible to working folks who can’t normally justify premium prices.
My advice? Buy the best you can afford, especially if it’s Aimpoint or EOTech at these prices. Those investments pay dividends for decades. For everything else, Holosun and Vortex have changed the game—reliable enough for serious use, affordable enough for regular people.
Remember: A quality iron sight beats a junk red dot every time. But a quality red dot at Black Friday prices? That’s worth jumping on.
One last thing: These prices won’t last. I’ve seen too many people wait for “better deals” only to pay full price in January. If you need it and can afford it, buy it now.
Practice makes permanent, so practice it right.
Shop smart,
Flint Marshall
Northern Montana
Got questions about specific optics or mounting solutions? Found a deal I missed? Drop a comment below or check out more gear reality checks at Moosir.com. Remember—respect the gear, respect the training, respect yourself.